1. English 2 - March 1st Agenda Warm-Up: Prior Knowledge
Hamlet Background
Video Clip: Act I Scene 5
Analyzing Doubt
Wrap-up/Homework
You Will Need
Notebook paper
Writing implement
Act I Scene 5 worksheet

2. Warm-Up: Prior Knowledge
What do you already know about Hamlet?
Why do you think it has so many quoted lines?
What literary features do you think you will see in the play, and why?

3. Basic Plot Hamlet is a prince of Denmark. His father died recently,
and his uncle immediately married his mother and became king. Hamlet hates this.
A ghost says he is Hamlet’s father, and that he was murdered by Hamlet’s uncle, and Hamlet should get revenge.
After a lot of confusion and insanity, Hamlet eventually kills his uncle. Basically everyone else dies, too.

4. This Scene
Horatio, Hamlet’s buddy, saw a ghost that looked like Hamlet’s dad.
He tells Hamlet, and they go together to see the ghost.
The ghost gets Hamlet alone, and tells him that he was murdered by the uncle.
Hamlet starts acting crazy.

5. Think-Table-Share
Think silently about the question.
Discuss the question with your table group.
When called on, share your thought with the class.
Why do you think Hamlet starts to act crazy and say things that make no sense after hearing this?

6. Analyzing Doubt
Hamlet became famous for including doubt in a revenge story. In previous revenge stories, the protagonist does not question or hesitate, but Hamlet does.
What happens in this scene that casts doubt on the ghost?
What lines indicate that the ghost is telling Hamlet what he wants to hear?
What lines indicate that Hamlet already has doubts?

7. Homework - Due 03/03
Complete the charts and reflection questions in your Hamlet packet for Act I Scene 5.
Bring your packet on Thursday.